Kiln Furniture and Accessories

Cromartie kiln furniture is made from high quality refractory clays designed for firing to 1300°C. We recommend that you always test batts before using to ensure that they are not cracked. Test by “ringing” with a metal object, a clear ring means that the batt is intact a dull ring could mean that the batt is damp. Use Cromartie batt wash on the surface of the batts to minimise glaze absorption and damage from glaze runs.

Props- Used to support kiln shelves, three props are normally used to support each shelf to give stable support, though larger square or rectangular shelves may be suited to four props.

Prop Extensions- For extending tubular props, Prop Extensions have a recess at one end and a plug at the other to enable them to be slotted into each other and into the props.

Prop Connectors- Prop Connectors are like Prop Extensions except that they have two plugs and no recess so that they will connect two props one on top of the other.

Prop Base or Collar- Tubular props slot into the Prop Base to give greater stability.

Batt Wash- Batt wash protects the surface of your kiln shelves from small deposits of glaze left on the base of pots by creating a barrier that absorbs the glaze. Batt wash comes as a white powder, mix with water to make a liquid the consistency of single cream and paint it onto the top surface of the kiln shelves only. Over time the batt wash will wear away when this becomes obvious it is time to repaint.

Spacers - Use spacers under the base bats to lift it clear of the base brick. Always position props in line with the spacer.

Tile Cranks- Tile Cranks are used to support tiles in the kiln. The uprights (legs) slot into a base/cover at either end producing a frame into which the tiles are placed. Ledges protruding from the uprights support the tiles. Use our refractory cement to give a secure and rigid assembly. Two base/covers and either three or four uprights as indicated are needed for each set.

Refractory Cement- Designed for all refractory uses, this cement gives a permanent rigid construction to Tile Cranks. It is an air drying paste that hardens to its full potential in firing. Apply sufficient to fill the hole around the spigot when in place in the Base/Cover. Remove excess cement with a knife, (not a wet cloth) and ensure assembly is held square for 24 hours while setting.

Cones & Minibars- Cones, (Pyrometric cones) and minibars soften and bend at specific temperatures. Their function is to measure the combined effect of temperature and time. Cones are used as visual indicators of heatwork; they are sometimes referred to as witness cones.

Minibars are used exclusively in KilnSitter kiln controllers where the bending action shuts off the kiln. Each cone is given a temperature value, e.g. cone 04 is 1070°C, this will vary depending on the rate of temperature rise.

Stilts- Stilts are for supporting ware with glazed bottoms in the kiln. Each stilt has a raised point on the end of each leg which supports the ware. Stilts leave small firing marks in the glaze which can be removed with a Stilt Stone (carborundum stick). Disposable Stilts are designed for one firing only but with care several firing are possible.

Metal Pointed Stilts perform the same function as disposable stilts but they have sharper metal points which leave smaller marks in the fired glaze. Metal Pointed Stilts can be used many times over.

Tee Cranks- Tee cranks are refractories for plates that are stacked to form a stable and secure assembly to support the ware during firing. To prevent the foot of the plates sticking to the crank, pins can be rested in slots. Tee cranks have a flat construction that allows ware to be placed by sliding in sideways without rebuilding the crank. For deeper plates use the distance spacer which adds height to the crank legs.